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Learn more »Fans are a relaxing and wonderful addition to your summer home, for you and your cats as well.
Do cats like fans? Cats like fans because they enjoy lounging in front of them to feel the air blow through their coats. What do they prefer? One nice thing about a fan versus air conditioning is that if your cat isn’t enjoying the feeling of the air blowing on it, it can simply get up and walk away.
Are Cats Bothered by Fans?
It’s certainly possible for cats to be bothered by fans, but as mentioned, they can walk away. Sometimes, a strong fan may be blowing too hard for your cat, making it uncomfortable.
If your cat lies down in front of a fan to feel its breeze, you can safely assume it is enjoying the experience.
Fans don’t have much of an effect on a cat’s body heat, however. Cats have plenty of ways to cool themselves naturally; unlike us, they sweat through their paws. Fans help people cool down by evaporating the sweat on their skin. Because cats only sweat through the small area of their paws, they don’t enjoy the same benefit.
Precautions for Fans and Cats
Cats may like fans, but they’re not always safe. It’s essential to take some precautions to keep your cat from injury.
Some fans are easy to tip over. If your cat likes to climb or knock objects over, it’s important to choose a heavy fan or a floor-mounted fan that’s difficult for them to move.
Also, your fan should have a grill with tight spaces that your cat can’t reach a paw into. The moving blades may tempt your cat to swat.
It’s also good to get a quiet fan. Loud fans could be disruptive to your cat and may agitate it.
How to Keep Your Cat Cool
Cats originated in the desert, so they’re quite heat tolerant. However, Their cooling methods are limited, so you can help them out.
Make sure your cat has access to cool, fresh water at all times. If it’s especially hot, add ice cubes or chill the water in the fridge. Some cats like to drink running water, such as a faucet or hose, so you may want to provide a drinking fountain.
It’s also best to keep your cat inside. In general, cats are safer indoors, but an indoor-outdoor cat should still have the option to come inside on a hot day to avoid overheating. If this isn’t possible, provide a dark, cool shelter with a cotton or terry towel. You can make it even cooler by putting frozen water bottles underneath the towel or leaving dry towels in the freezer overnight.
If you have air conditioning in some parts of the house, make sure your cat has access on scorching days. Even if it’s only for short periods, relaxing in an air-conditioned room can be enough to keep your cat from overheating.
Long-haired cats should be groomed daily during hot seasons. Long-haired cats can be prone to matted hairs, affecting their coat’s air circulation. If your cat tolerates it, try wiping it down with a cool, moist towel.
Use sunscreen on fair or hairless cats. These cats are predisposed to sunburn and skin cancer, even just from laying in a window that gets direct sunlight. Keep the blinds down during the hottest part of the day, and slather your cat with cat-friendly sunscreen.
Conclusion
Cats may enjoy lying in front of a fan for the feeling of the air blowing through their fur. While we don’t know for sure if cats prefer fans or not, they have the option to get up and leave if the fan bothers them.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
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